Next Steps After An Initial Ovarian Cancer Diagnosis
- After a diagnosis of ovarian cancer, women will go through a variety of medical assessments to determine the best course of treatment
- Imaging and laboratory tests will help doctors and patients make decisions about surgery
- If doctors determine you will benefit from debulking surgery, it is ideally scheduled no more than ten days after the initial diagnosis
Once receiving an initial ovarian cancer diagnosis, women will go through routine evaluations to determine their medical history and health. This includes medical assessments, computed tomography (CT) scans to see if the disease has affected the chest, abdomen, and pelvis; lab evaluations to examine tumor marker levels, kidney and liver function, as well as hematology levels; and evaluate the person’s functional and nutritional status. These evaluations occur over a handful of consultation visits with oncologists which will lead to discussions about surgery.
Read MoreHow To Cope After An Ovarian Cancer Diagnosis
It’s understandable that many women experience increased anxiety after an ovarian cancer diagnosis. Luckily, there are ways women can manage anxiety while going through treatment in order to cope with stress.
Counseling and support groups can be valuable resources for women diagnosed with ovarian cancer. During treatment, some days are better than others, so counselors or therapists will be able to help tailor your sessions to your specific needs and concerns. This includes offering tips and strategies for coping with your new cancer diagnosis, validating your concerns, and ultimately just being someone you can talk to through difficult times.
Support groups offers a way for patients to connect with other women who have gone through, or are currently going through, the same experience. This fosters a sense of community, which can be incredibly important for patients’ mental health. Through support groups, women can share their experiences openly and honestly and feel supported by their peers.
In some cases, medication might be prescribed for those managing anxiety, but it will depend on whether doctor’s believe it’s the best option for their patient.
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